I guess all of us want to feel that others understand us and support us. That what we believe in is valued and respected by others. I've written before about how difficult it was for me when I first began boycotting weddings because of their inherent segregation. So few people understood or respected my stance. In fact, most people thought I was down right selfish -- that my anger was misdirected at the poor couples who just wanted to be free to celebrate their special days.
I don't get many comments like that anymore.
Today I was forwarded an inspiring article from the Ashland Daily Tidings. Reading it I realize that the call to acknowledge marriage segregation is taking hold all over the country.
At the First Congregational United Church of Christ the clergy members have decided that they will no longer sign marriage licenses until they can also sign them for gay & lesbian couples as well. (Let's all pause while we stand up and cheer).
The boycott of signing marriage licenses was the idea of the Rev. Pam Shepherd. (A person I don't know but I love!)
When I started The Marrying Kind group in late August, I would not have believed that there would be members of the clergy, a mere five months later, taking this kind of bold step.
When Harvey Milk said, "You gotta give'em hope," he was referring to actions like those of the Rev. Shepherd. Now because of her, and her fellow clergy members, gays and lesbians will get the message that there is a place for them in a religious community, if they want it. They will feel that they are welcome. That they are worthy. That the promise of equality is theirs, too.
I'm sure there must be other churches in the US that have taken this noble stance for justice and equality. If you know of one, please share the information with me.
Because we all could use a lot more hope.
No comments:
Post a Comment